Abstract

NANOPARTICLES AND NANOTECHNOLOGY: AN APPROACH FOR CANCER THERAPY

*Dr. Priyanka Khokhar

ABSTRACT

Nanoparticles (size in nanometer range) provide a new mode of cancer drug delivery functioning as a carrier for entry through fenestrations in tumour vasculature allowing direct cell access. These particles allow exquisite modification for binding to cancer cell membranes, the microenvironment, or to cytoplasmic or nuclear receptor sites. There are various nanoparticles that can fight against the cancerous cells but few are very challenging and promising like gold nanoparticles as discussed in this article. Gold nanoparticles are emerging as promising agents for cancer therapy and are being investigated as drug carriers, photothermal agents, contrast agents and radio-sensitisers. To help this, nanotechnology provides a great deed. The use of nanotechnology in cancer treatment offers some exciting possibilities, including the possibility of destroying cancer tumors with minimal damage to healthy tissue and organs, as well as the detection and elimination of cancer cells before they form tumors. Most efforts to improve cancer treatment through nanotechnology are at the research or development stage. However the effort to make these treatments a reality is highly focused.

Keywords: Definition, types and applications of nanoparticles. Gold nanoparticles as novel agent for cancer therapy and Nanotechnology in cancer treatment.